Trapper's Stove

An engineer, a psychologist, and a theologian were hunting in the
wilderness of northern Canada.

Suddenly, the temperature dropped and a furious snowstorm was upon them.
They came across an isolated cabin, far removed from any town. The
hunters had heard that the locals in the area were quite hospitable, so
they knocked on the door to ask permission to rest.

No one answered their knocks, but they discovered the cabin was unlocked
and they entered. It was a simple place ... 2 rooms with a minimum of
furniture and household equipment. Nothing was unusual about the cabin
except the stove. It was large, pot-bellied, and made of cast-iron.
What was strange about it was its location ... it was suspended in
midair by wires attached to the ceiling beams.

"Fascinating," said the psychologist. "It is obvious that this lonely
trapper, isolated from humanity, has elevated this stove so that he can
curl up under it and vicariously experience a return to the womb."

"Nonsense!" replied the engineer. "The man is practicing the laws of
thermodynamics. By elevating his stove, he has discovered a way to
distribute heat more evenly throughout the cabin."

"With all due respect," interrupted the theologian, "I'm sure that
hanging his stove from the ceiling has religious meaning. Fire LIFTED
UP has been a religious symbol for centuries."

The three debated the point for several hours without resolving the
issue. When the trapper finally returned, they immediately asked him
why he had hung his heavy pot-bellied stove from the ceiling.

His answer was succinct. "Had plenty wire, not much stove pipe."